Arkansas played host to a vital part of the 2013-2015 Rice Leadership Development Program class second session, which concluded June 28. Producer members are Mark Isbell, from North Little Rock and Joel Stevens, from Monticello. Industry related members are Robb Dedman with Pro Ag Consulting, Inc. from Rison and Wes Long with RiceTec, Inc. from Benton.

While visiting the state, the class participated in workshops on business etiquette, protocol, media communication skills, public speaking and presentation skills. Keith Glover, president and CEO of Producers Rice Mill, gave an overview of the facility's operations and a tour of its parboiled rice plant. Dr. Chuck Wilson, director of the University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center, explained the latest rice research under way at the station.

On the final day of the session in Arkansas, the group visited Riceland Foods, Inc., where President and CEO Danny Kennedy provided an overview of the company and Senior Vice President of International Rice and Partnerships Carl Brothers talked about the world rice situation.

During the last half of the week, the class visited the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group, a key factor in the marketing of U.S.-grown rice, and witnessed the opening bell of the trading day, observed trading on the floor at the rice pit and other commodity trading pits. In addition, Fred Seamon, senior director of commodity research and product development with the CME, provided detailed information. Participants also visited John Deere's world headquarters in Moline, Ill., where executives conducted a harvester factory tour and the group witnessed a combine being built from scratch.

Other class members include rice producers John Compton from Jennings, La.; Seth Fiack from Glenn, Calif., and Steven Schuler from Woodland, Calif. The Rice Leadership Development Program is sponsored by John Deere, RiceTec and American Commodity Company through The Rice Foundation and managed by the USA Rice Federation.